In an emergency, first aid is
not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before you are
able to get your pet to either us or the emergency veterinarian,
knowing some basic first aid can help.
You should learn these
techniques before they are needed.
Do NOT try to get online
during an emergency to access these tips. You could be
wasting precious time.
Always seek veterinary care
following any of these first-aid attempts.
Animal Bites
Approach your pet carefully to avoid getting
bitten. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply
pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Do not use a tourniquet.
Wear gloves when possible. Bite wounds often become
infected.
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Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure over
the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for
at least 10 straight minutes (continually releasing the pressure to
check the wound will hamper the clotting). Avoid bandages that cut
off circulation.
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Breathing Stops
If your pet is not breathing, place it on a firm
surface with its left side up.
Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area
where the elbow touches the chest.
If you hear a heartbeat but no breathing, close
your pet's mouth and breathe directly into its nose--not the
mouth--until the chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per
minute.
If there is no pulse, apply heart massage at the
same time. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest,
behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the
heart to support the chest. Place other hand over the heart and
compress gently.
To massage the hearts of cats and other tiny pets,
compress the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one
hand.
Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for
larger animals and 100-150 per minute for smaller ones.
Alternate heart massage with breathing.
Please
note: Even in the hands of well-trained veterinary health
professionals, the success of resuscitation is very low
overall.
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Choking
A choking animal will be frantic
and may be more likely to bite.
If your pet can still partially breathe, it's best to
keep the animal calm and get to a veterinarian as quickly as
possible.
Look into the mouth to see if foreign object in throat is
visible.
If you can, gently clear the airway by removing the
object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to push it
farther down the throat.
If it is lodged too deep or if your pet collapses, then
place your hands on both sides of the animal's rib cage and apply
firm, quick pressure.
Or place your pet on its side and strike the side of the
rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or four
times.
Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or
you arrive at the veterinarian's office.
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Fractures
Look for bleeding. If you can
control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so.
Watch for signs of shock.
DO NOT TRY TO SET THE FRACTURE by pulling or
tugging on the limb.
Transport your pet to the veterinarian immediately,
supporting the injured part as best you can.
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Poisoning
Symptoms: vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation,
weakness, pain
Record what the pet ingested and how
much.
Immediately call your veterinarian or poison
control center.
Do not induce vomiting. In case of toxins or
chemicals on the skin from oils, paints, insecticides and other
contact irritants, request directions on if and how to wash the
toxin off.
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Seizures
Symptoms: salivation, loss of control of urine or stool,
violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness
Move your pet away from any objects that
could be harmful during the seizure.
Use a blanket for padding and
protection.
Do not put yourself at risk by restraining
your pet during the seizure.
Time the seizure. They usually last only 2 to
3 minutes.
Afterwards, keep the animal calm and
quiet.
Get your pet to the veterinarian
immediately.
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